My first leather project

[rcmodel]

Way more better!!

RH&S Officer QA test?
Check!

Now you are hooked on leather fumes though!!

PS: You can secure the ends of the lace without knots by going back through last 3 loosened loops, and then pulling them back tight on the loose end, and then cutting it off next to the 4th. loop.

It will not come loose again.

rc

 

[Trent]

Yes, I was so enthralled working on this dang thing I missed the call to dinner. So I'm off to go eat some cold mashed potatoes, pork roast, and corn now.

It.. feels good, to make something useful, with my hands.

 

[hso]

Glad RC pointed out that you drill instead of punch thick leather like that (for the very reason he pointed out).

1/4" welt will do the trick.

To retain the knife in the sheath you can make a "Ranger Loop" around the handle through the back of the sheath or any number of other retention strap/loop systems.

 

[Trent]

This is what I went out and bought today. Worked real good.

http://www.harborfreight.com/leather-punch-tool-97715.html

 

[Bobson]

Nice job, Trent. Looks great. Good job with that deer, too. What you lacked in perfection you more than made up for in effort. Sure it'll go more smoothly next time.

 

[Zeke/PA]

"slicing thru the stiches"? Normally a spacer is sewn/stiched between the folds of the sheath on the blade edge side. I like to glue the whole sheath together first then punch and sew.

 

[hso]

This is what I went out and bought today. Worked real good.

That's fine for decorative work that isn't meant to hold it together. The holes it makes are probably far too large.

With a thick welt you glue up, then drill with a small bit just barely big enough to let the needle go through with effort. That way you have nice tight stitching that holds well as the leather cycles/swells/shrinks.

 

[Trent]

Thanks Bobson.

HSO; Is there any tools that can pull through leather string like what I show in that picture through a tight hole, to serve both capacities (decorative and strong)? My holes (as you indicated) are much larger than necessary (1/8") in order to get it through.

If I do another project with dental floss/waxed string I'll do the small drill bit route sizing the hole to the needle.

 

[rcmodel]

Thong lacing needle.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/1193-01.aspx

The inside of the needle is hollow & threaded.

You screw the leather thong in the needle and it stays there while lacing.

Saddle stitching tool for heavy thread.
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/1216-00.aspx

Hole spacing tool:
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/tools/stitching-lacing-tools/8079-298.aspx

rc

 

[Trent]

Sweet. Thanks RC!!!!

We have a Tandy Leather in Peoria, IL, about an hour from here.

Road trip!

 

[hso]

But, you still need to drill just smaller than the lacing to get a tight fit.

You're getting there.

 

[Trent]

I think my next project is an archery belt kit.

Maybe a dust cover for my DShK.

Or a new leather wrap for my BBQ grill handle.

Sigh. What have I started...

This is going to be a long winter.

I need more cow.

 

[Deep Fried]

I like it man!

And more cow is always good.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

I like it.

You're learning stuff you can use the rest of your life too. Win/Win.

If you build an archery belt, mind that it doesn't bind on your when shooting or get in the way of a quiver or draw/shoot cycle.